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Government announces plans for EV charge points on new builds

Government plans will see up to 145,000 charging points installed across the country each year with new-build supermarkets, workplaces and buildings undergoing major renovations also coming under the new law. The announcement has been largely welcomed although there are concerns that the plans do not go far enough.
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23 November 2021

NEW homes and buildings in England will be required by law to install electric vehicle charging points from next year, the prime minister is set to announce.

The government said the move will see up to 145,000 charging points installed across the country each year with new-build supermarkets, workplaces and buildings undergoing major renovations also coming under the new law.

Announcing the new laws at the Confederation of British Industry’s conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This is a pivotal moment – we cannot go on as we are. “We have to adapt our economy to the green industrial revolution.”

The government also plans simpler ways to pay by charging vehicles through contactless payments introduced at new fast and rapid charge points.
Welcoming the announcement, Edmund King, AA president, said: “With the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars getting ever closer, it is essential that we gear up now to ensure that we future-proof our homes and buildings for the EV revolution.

“The majority of EV drivers in the future will do most of their charging at home, so it is essential that new homes are equipped to help this transition. For those without off-street parking, it is also crucial that we see more charging posts on-street, and in offices and supermarkets.

“It will also be helpful to ensure all fast and rapid chargers provide contactless payments so that EV drivers in the future won’t help a phone full of apps and a wallet or purse full of cards just to get a charge.

“The prospects for the EV revolution are looking good with better and more affordable cars coming to the market with increased range and a more reliable charging infrastructure being developed. All this should help bring power to electric drivers.”

Meryem Brassington, electrification propositions lead at Lex Autolease said: “As momentum continues to shift away from petrol and diesel, investment in the UK’s charging infrastructure is mission-critical if we are to deliver on the ambitious Road to Zero targets.

“This announcement is another strong signal of intent from policymakers to position the UK as a world leader in electrification. By ensuring the product supply and supporting charge network is in place, we can continue to help individual drivers and businesses accelerate their transition towards an electric future.”

Jonny Berry, Head of Decarbonisation at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said“Whilst we welcome the proposed legislation, the rollout of up to 145,000 new EV charging points each year under these plans continues to fall short of the level of progress required.

 “Crucially, around 40% of households have no access to off-street parking to install a charger so we need to see a far greater increase in public charging provision than the plans announced today if we’re to hope to achieve the targets set for 2030 and continue to accelerate the transition to EVs we’re currently seeing in the market led by fleets.

 “Scaling up workplace charging is also a step in the right direction as this moves from an attractive benefit tool to an essential requirement. Fleets should take advantage of this opportunity, but such an undertaking doesn’t have to be tackled without support. For a successful transition, fleets should seek out well-designed, optimised, reliable solution with business-critical aftersales support. The only thing they should be concerned about is being left behind.”

Steve Tigar, entrepreneur, and CEO of loveelectric, the new fintech which makes low-cost electric car leasing a reality for employers and their workforce, said the PM’s plan for more EV charging points is great news but there was a need to ensure EVs are accessible to everyone. That means the government must build a high-quality and reliable public charging network for the 40% of drivers without off-street parking.

He added: “It’s estimated 80% of EVs are charged at home and I’m concerned drivers might think  lucky enough to have off-street parking.

they need a home charging point before they can switch to an EV. That isn’t the case. The public charging infrastructure is growing rapidly with more than 1,500 new connectors going live every month. But with innovtive new schemes such as loveelectric bringing new EVs to a much wider audience, the number of public charging points must grow faster than it currently is.

“New research reveals nearly half (47%) of potential EV owners don’t know where their nearest public charging point is. This indicates they’re planning to charge at home. We need a reliable, far-reaching charging network for the millions who aren’t.”

Patrick Reich, Co-found of Bonnet, an electric charging platform simplifying payments, added:  “New laws to make sure all homes in England have electric car chargers shows a real commitment by the government to make sure the country will be ready for the 2030 petrol and diesel vehicle ban.

 “While this announcement to accelerate the roll out of private chargepoints is good, it will only go so far. Around 40% of UK households don’t have a private driveway so rely on public chargepoints to be able to charge and drive. Improving the accessibility and availability of public charging provision – in urban areas particularly – is a priority if EVs are to become genuinely accessible, and the government’s call for simpler payments is one we absolutely back.

“The strategic placement of chargepoints at popular locations such as supermarkets and workplaces will help improve reduce charging anxiety – which we identify as a key barrier, not ‘range anxiety’. Government and business need to collaborate and invest in improved infrastructure and technology to make sure consumers feel as comfortable as possible when making the switch.”

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Chris Wright

Chris Wright

Chris Wright has been covering the automotive industry nationally and internationally for 30 years. Following spells with consumer titles he became News Editor of Automotive Management (AM), Editor of Automotive International, International Editor for Detroit-based Automotive News, and Editor of Dealer Update. He has also co-authored several FT Management Reports and contributes regularly to Justauto.com

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